Three writers name their 'must-sees' at BDO

Left: The Flaming Lips: Their visit is long overdue. Right: Metallica's James Hetfield at the Sydney BDO.
Pictures: Supplied, Edwina Pickles

The critic: Jo Roberts

Big Days Out: 10

Aphex Twin - Come to Daddy! Richard James is a reclusive genius. Who knows if we'll get the chance to see the master of bent British electronica again. His abrasive style might not be for everyone, and his videos aren't for the faint-hearted, but I love da guy.

The Darkness - Queen meets Ronnie James Dio. They're on early, but how can you go wrong with long hair, lycra jumpsuits and falsetto? Are the flashy young Brits being ironic? Who knows, who cares? They're fun.

The Flaming Lips - Reports from the Brisbane BDO put this visionary American band at the top of the must-see list. The stage show is reportedly stunning and it's a long overdue visit. Can't wait.

Damo Suzuki - Former member of now defunct legendary German art-music band Can. Not sure what his show will entail, but it will be worth seeing the man who inspired such wonderful modern-day sound sculptors as Mogwai and God Speed You! Black Emperor.

Hoodoo Gurus -I saw them play a reunion show at Sydney's Homebake Festival two years ago. They were as good as ever. An explosive-hit fest guaranteed. Relive your teen years, Australia!

The student: Angus Maiden

Big Days Out: 1

The Strokes - Only New Yorkers could wear straight-leg jeans tucked into their white tennis shoes and make it cool, and only the Strokes could take everything that's cool about New York and ooze it effortlessly at every single show. The Strokes know how to carve that perfect sound and how to blend the simplest melody with the coolest chord. Is this it? Hell, yeah.

Muse - Muse's awesome live show is what gives three-piece bands such a great reputation. Although Matt Bellamy will be whipping up centre stage with his incredible vocal and guitar skills, this is by no means a one-man show. Combining their explosive guitar riffs with Bach-like melodies, Muse will have you begging for more.

The Flaming Lips -They played with Beck. That's good enough for me, but the Flaming Lips are also a fantastic band in their own right. This show should be as funny and uplifting as their songs are beautiful, thought-provoking and witty.

Kings of Leon - In this day and age, few bands can claim to be truly undiluted, raw and authentic. But if anyone can, it's these three sons of a travelling redneck evangelist and their redneck cousin.

The Dandy Warhols - They seem to have sidestepped the almost omnipresent influences of Nirvana and Soundgarden, tracing their ancestry back along a much more hidden path to the likes of My Bloody Valentine and the Velvet Underground. Their latest album was even more quirky and wonderful than the last, which should pave the way for a fantastic live set.

Left-field tip? Gerling - One of those bands who like to play in clubs without names, that you have to look for under stairwells and in dark alleys, and for the same reason that these places are great, so is this Sydney trio: mainly that they are completely undefinable. Expect nothing in particular, and they will deliver everything you want.

The metal head: Dave Cook

Big Days Out: 3

Metallica - Seen 'em live three times, but still can't get enough. How can you top the biggest metal band in the world with 20 years of tunes to choose from headlining the best festival in the world? See you at the front of the mosh pit - I'll be the guy wearing black.

The Mars Volta - From the ashes of At The Drive In comes prog-rock at its best. Prepare to have your mind and ears expanded as you sway in wonder. Don't try to understand it - just enjoy.

Jet - Finally coming home, anything Jet does to live up to the hype has to be better than the Vines' horrific, self-indulgent set last year. Maybe we can ask them to shave for charity.

The Hoodoo Gurus - So many party anthems to be revisited, so little time. Hopefully the joyful dancing won't wear people out before Metallica hit the stage.

Something For Kate - Finally getting the mainstream recognition they deserve, anywhere but the main stage would have been an insult - and mercifully they're nowhere near The Darkness. Pushing past all the frustrated musicians staring in wonder at Paul Dempsey's mammoth hands could be a hassle, though.